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Description
Autism spectrum disorders are one of the most widely studied areas of child‘s psychiatry. Unfortunately, in Lithuania, specialists who work with children with autism spectrum disorders and families which are raising such children, lack general information about characteristics of these disorders which could help to accurately apply the right treatment method. The methods used in Lithuania are focused on behavioral therapy but lacks the relationship-oriented models. Also, most of the medical institutions for such needs are located in Lithuanian cities, thus contributing to the disparity of services between regions. Applicant aims to improve the quality of mental health services provided to the community focusing on the well-being of children who have autism spectrum disorders and their families.
The goal of the project is to acquire and adapt a new SCERTS methodology at the national level, which responds to the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The SCERTS methodology is distinguished by the fact that it covers various child’s development areas (communicative, socio-emotional, cognitive, and motor) and focuses on psycho-emotional state more than other methods. During implementation period, there will be close cooperation with small Lithuanian municipalities – Joniskis, Kaisiadorys, Kazlu Ruda and Varena, thus reducing the separation of healthcare provision between Lithuanian municipalities. A bilateral partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis will strengthen partnership between Norway and Lithuania and will ensure greater dissemination of the methodology by complementing it with Norwegian practices while working with children with autism spectrum disorders.
Summary of project results
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are one of the most widely studied areas of child‘s psychiatry. Unfortunately, in Lithuania, specialists who work with children with autism spectrum disorders and families which are raising such children, lack general information about characteristics of these disorders which could help to accurately apply the right treatment method. The methods used in Lithuania are focused on behavioral therapy but lacks the relationship-oriented models. Also, most of the medical institutions for such needs are located in Lithuanian cities, smaller municipalities lack experienced specialists and resources. The project aimed to improve the quality of mental health services provided to the community focusing on the well-being of children who have autism spectrum disorders and their families.
During the project implementation a new SCERTS methodology was acquired and adapted in Joniskis, Kaisiadorys, Kazlu Ruda, Varena and Marijampole municipalities. The model responds to the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The SCERTS methodology is distinguished by the fact that it covers various child’s development areas (communicative, socio-emotional, cognitive, and motor) and focuses on psycho-emotional state more than other methods. During the project, 114 specialists were trained, who practically applied the SCERTS model in the activities with children with ASD. A total of 114 specialists, 26 community representatives, 69 parents raising children with ASD participated in trainings and project activities. The representative of project partner the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis provided 4 remote trainings in which all project participants could participate. During these trainings, the peculiarities of working with autistic children were discussed from an analytical point of view, the differences and similarities between Norwegian and Lithuanian education and treatment systems, and the supervisory case of working with a child with an autism spectrum disorder.
During the project, specialists not only deepened their theoretical knowledge, but also had the opportunity to practically learn to assess children with ASD and apply the SCERTS model in their work, planning the further process of education and creating a new relationship with children with ASD. For the parents of children with ASD, the acquired new knowledge allowed them to better understand how to properly educate their children at home and to cooperate with professionals working in a child care institution. The project provided community representatives with practical advice on how to more actively include ASS children and their families in community life.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral partnership with the the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis ensured greater dissemination of the methodology and supplemented it with practices used in Norway in working with children with autism spectrum disorders. During the implementation of the project, the project partners shared experience and knowledge about the application of different methods in working with children with ASD. As the SCERTS methodology adapted from abroad during the project encourages the integration of other methodologies and therapies, the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis, which has accumulated many years of experience in this field, brought great added value to the project.